hacksaw

noun

hack·​saw ˈhak-ˌsȯ How to pronounce hacksaw (audio)
: a fine-tooth saw with a blade under tension in a frame that is used for cutting hard materials (such as metal)
hacksaw verb

Illustration of hacksaw

Illustration of hacksaw

Examples of hacksaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Investing in a reliable hacksaw doesn't have to break the bank. Brittany Vincent, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2023 It was built specifically to withstand a number of cutting attempts, including hacksaws, bolt saws, cutters, and grinders. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 The search led law enforcement to a Swampscott waste facility about an hour away from their home, where investigators reportedly found trash bags with blood, a hatchet and a hacksaw, sources told WBZ-TV. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2023 Johnston had shimmed out of his cell window – which was 1 foot wide and 4 feet tall – after cutting the center bar with a hacksaw blade. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2023 Investigators have reportedly recovered a series of cutting instruments — including a hacksaw and a hatchet — during their search for missing mom Ana Walshe, law enforcement sources told multiple news outlets Tuesday. Tristan Balagtas, Peoplemag, 10 Jan. 2023 Two law enforcement officials who were briefed on the case said investigators recovered a hacksaw and blood evidence in trash at the transfer station in Peabody. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Jan. 2023 This is an excellent hacksaw for most use cases and buyers. Brittany Vincent, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2023 Also citing unnamed law enforcement officials, WBZ-TV reports a hacksaw and hatchet believed to be connected to Ana's disappearance were also allegedly recovered during a search of a Peabody, Mass., trash site, earlier this week. Tristan Balagtas, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hacksaw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hacksaw was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near hacksaw

Cite this Entry

“Hacksaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hacksaw. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hacksaw

noun
hack·​saw ˈhak-ˌsȯ How to pronounce hacksaw (audio)
: a saw used for cutting hard materials (as metal) that consists of a frame holding a blade with small teeth
hacksaw verb

More from Merriam-Webster on hacksaw

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